Suggested route · private car and chauffeur
Sri Lanka in 7 days: the classic first trip.
One week is enough to see the best of Sri Lanka's highlights at a comfortable pace: an ancient rock fortress, the hill capital, tea country, the famous train ride to Ella and a final night by the sea.
- First-time visitors
- Couples and friends
- Travellers with one week of leave
Day by day
The route.
- Day 1
Arrive and drive to Sigiriya
Meet your chauffeur at the airport and drive to the Cultural Triangle. Relax at your hotel after the journey.
Sigiriya & Dambulla guide → - Day 2
Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya early in the morning, then visit the Dambulla cave temples in the afternoon. An elephant safari is an optional add-on.
Sigiriya & Dambulla guide → - Day 3
To Kandy
Drive to Kandy, stopping at a spice garden. Visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening ceremony.
Kandy guide → - Day 4
Tea country
Wind up into the mountains to Nuwara Eliya, with a tea factory visit and tasting on the way.
Nuwara Eliya guide → - Day 5
The train to Ella
Take the scenic hill-country train to Ella while your car carries the luggage. Sunset walk to Little Adam's Peak if time allows.
Ella guide → - Day 6
Down to the south coast
See the Nine Arch Bridge in the morning, then drive down past Ravana Falls to a beach hotel on the south coast.
Mirissa guide → - Day 7
Galle and departure
Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort, then take the expressway back to the airport for your flight.
Galle guide →
Good to know
Tips for this route.
- Seven days means a new hotel most nights; if you prefer fewer changes, drop the beach night and stay two nights in Ella.
- Train seats are limited in peak months, so we plan around availability and keep your car as a backup.
Ready-made versions
Published tours of a similar length.
Each one can be adjusted: nights, hotels, pace and stops.
- Ella to the Ocean7 days · 6 nights
- Hills & Shores Unhurried7 days · 6 nights
- Galle to Ancient Kingdoms7 days · 6 nights
- Sigiriya & Eastern Shores7 days · 6 nights
- Heritage & Coast Unhurried7 days · 6 nights
- Dambulla to Golden Shores7 days · 6 nights
- Galle & Yala Explorer7 days · 6 nights
- Highland Cities Unhurried7 days · 6 nights
- Tea Country Unhurried7 days · 6 nights
- Southern Coast Unhurried7 days · 6 nights
- Kandy to Golden Shores7 days · 6 nights
- Highlands & Safari Retreat7 days · 6 nights
Questions
Sri Lanka in 7 days: answers.
Is 7 days enough for Sri Lanka?
Yes, for the highlights. A week covers the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, tea country and Ella, with a short finish on the south coast. Add three or four days if you want wildlife and more beach time.
What is the best way to get around in a week?
A private car with a chauffeur is the easiest way. It keeps the route flexible and lets you stop wherever you like.
Can I change this itinerary?
Every day can be changed: more nights in one place, different hotels or other stops. Send us your dates and we will tailor it.
Make it yours
Get a quote for this route.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will tailor the route, suggest hotels and send a clear quotation.
Other ideas